"Because the investigation remains ongoing, additional implicated brands, restaurants, retailers, or distribution channels may be identified as the investigation continues," wrote the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its website on July 16.
Given the number of people involved in the current outbreak already, Mandrell suspects there may be multiple sources of contamination, since this is the time that the parasite generally flourishes. (On its website, the CDC notes that it is "also investigating other outbreaks and illnesses of cyclosporiasis nationally that are unrelated to this outbreak.")
According to the FDA, which is responsible for inspecting domestic and imported produce, Cyclospora has been found before in other fruits and vegetables, including those that peak in popularity and freshness in the summer. Raspberries, blackberries, lettuce, cilantro, snow peas, and basil and pre-washed bagged salads have all been implicated in past cyclosporiasis outbreaks.
The primary symptom of cyclosporiasis is watery diarrhea, which can be explosive at times. Unlike with food poisoning caused by bacteria like E. coli or salmonella, Cyclospora infection does not generally cause vomiting or nausea. The diarrhea can also last for days, or even weeks. If you’ve been experiencing diarrhea for more than a few days, or if the diarrhea seems to subside but then starts again, experts recommend seeing a health care provider.
Is it easy to get a test for Cyclospora?
Now that cases are growing in the U.S., doctors are more likely to suspect Cyclospora and ask more questions about your travel and eating history. If you’ve traveled overseas to areas where the parasite is endemic, or if you tell your provider you've eaten fresh produce in recent days and are having continuous diarrhea, they may be more inclined to order the test.
What is causing the Cyclospora outbreak?
Beyond the implicated lettuce, health officials are still investigating where else the parasite might have originated. Most of the cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. in previous years have been traced to people who traveled overseas, became infected, and brought the bug back home. However, health officials are fairly confident that the first people infected in the current outbreak—which the CDC is calling "domestically acquired"—picked up the parasite in the U.S., since the early cases did not report recent travel out of the country.
That advice applies to non-U.S. suppliers as well, since the U.S. imports much of its fresh fruits and vegetables from abroad, from places where the parasite is endemic and sanitation standards aren't the same as in the U.S.
How can I avoid Cyclospora?
Aside from following the CDC's advice for people in certain states to avoid shredded lettuce from Taco Bell, be aware of the foods most likely to increase your risk, such as raw produce, as investigations continue.
To help reduce the risk of acquiring cyclosporiasis from lettuce, Michigan's health department suggests that people avoid eating bagged or prewashed salads and to buy whole heads of lettuce instead, discarding the outer layers and thoroughly washing the inner leaves.
And always wash your hands after using the bathroom to avoid transferring any microbes to your food or other people.
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